We had the best time in Shreveport this week! Diana, Ashley, Rachel and I went to World Changers in Shreveport, the Boardwalk, and to see Aunt Jackie. I have to say where ever we go, we like to have a good time. We don't even care what people think. We were trying on hats and sunglasses and I suddenly I realized we had drawn attention. We were having such a good time that we didn't care that people might find us goofy! So if we brought a smile to someone's day....I'll keep trying on hats and sunglasses!

World Changer

World Changers came and went in a blur. In the days before we left, I was worried and hesitate not about the work but the heat. I absolutely love WC but there are always some worries before leaving. There are thoughts of excitement and worry. Then before you know it the days have flown by and your back home wishing you were back at World Changers! Eight days ago.....

Day 1... I got to the church late! Not too late just everyone waiting on me and the truck so we could load up. Everyone was super excited to get on the road. We had to head north to turn and go south! We went through Monroe and on to Jackson then headed south toward New Orleans. But we finally arrived after 2 stops for the bathroom, one stop for lunch, two stops for the tarp, and one stop for gas. It took us 7 hours! But we arrived on time!

Day 2.... Dumpsters! That is our crew name for the week! It was exciting to meet everyone from different places! Michaela - Texas! Craziest thing you will find! Olivia - Texas --Excited!
Kandis - Texas! Initial thoughts...quiet! I was wrong! Charles - Crew Chief - laid back! Jennifer - Louisiana! Reserved. Alexis Louisiana! Silent! Our other two members were coming in later. We went to worship at Trinity Baptist at Franklinton. That church is fabulous! They treated us like family.

Day 3...Work Day 1. It was hot. But that is not the hard part. It seemed like we had trouble getting started. We had two crews at our work site. The roofing team had to do some things before we could get started. It was hard to encourage the crew when I needed encouragement myself. We did very little Monday but I continued to pray for God to use us. Worship was amazing. Scott invited us to the altar to write down (on sticky notes) anything that was standing between us and our relationship with Jesus.

Day 4...Work Day 2...Yeah we finally worked today. I got paint on me. Our crew picked up because we actually got to do what we came to WC to do. Worship on Tuesday was my favorite. Concert of Prayer was the most awesome night. It was nice to go in and sit quietly. I think the most impressive thing was when Scott, Bethany, and David walked to the cross, where the sticky notes were, and began to shred them. It was an amazing moment. It has nothing to do with those three people. It was all about how Jesus takes our burdens and we can let it go.

Day 5...Work Day 3...only a half day of work and a half day of play! We had the best time with our group in New Orleans. Riverwalk, Bubba Gumps(coconut shrimp! YUM!), and Cafe De Monde. And the marathon we ran to get back to the van! Quincy was trying to get Kylie to the bathroom. Then the party! We busted up a 10 year anniversary for fraternity at the Hilton trying to get back to the van!

Day 6....Work Day 4...We worked hard getting the whole house painted! Our crew pulled together and worked so good together. It is amazing how God puts together a team and how you grow to love each and everyone of them!

Day 7....Final day of work! We had a busy day trying to finish so we could go to Sonic. It was hot and humid! It started off with rain but finished with sunshine and Sonic. Our crew pulled together and God used us! Later that night.....after closing celebration..I was walking out of the church and I ran into our home owner's family. I was so excited. But the best news...thirteen year old Allison gave her life and heart to Jesus. I was so excited I wanted to tell everyone. Strange thing...I was disappointed because we didn't get to spend much time with the during the week. But God works in amazing ways. Seems that Allison was watching from the window and porch. She and her brothers fell in love with me and I didn't even know. I guess you can be a witness to someone even through a window.

Day 8...the day to go home. Saying goodbye was hard. I really truly believe that some of our friends from WC 09 we will see again. They are friends for a lifetime. Diana and I are making plans to visit Texas! There was some grouchiness on the way home mostly from being tired. But everyone was glad for a great week, new friends, and to going home to our own beds.

I love World Changers and cannot wait until next year! God is amazing and awesome!

If your happy and you know it....

First of all, thanks everyone who continues to read my blog.

Sometimes I just don't know what to write but I found something to write about.

Writing is like therapy! Recently I got my feelings hurt because I wasn't included. It really bothered me. My feelings where hurt and I am usually tough as nails. I didn't understand why I was left out and still don't. Besides all of that, it made me think about how many times that I probably left someone out and it hurt their feelings like it did mine. Maybe God used this to teach me a lesson. I don't like learning lesson sometimes! I'm going to do better.

People like to be around me I hope! I like to have a good time. I like to be around people. I love to laugh and make people smile. My mother tells me people just like to be around me. I guess it's from my great personality(HA) not too humble though!

I think the joyful attitude started with actually pretending. People don't like to be around people who are negative. I had a lot to be negative about when I was a kid. Mainly because I was the largest one in every situation. So instead of turning in I turned out. Laughing, having fun, being happy so people liked me even though I was overweight.

I think overtime people just grew to overlook my weight and love me for my fun personality. My mother always worried that I couldn't be serious. I know when to be serious and all the other time love life. So people liked to be around me because I am happy. As I grew older, it became me. I don't remember when I decided to be happy all the time and forget about my weight. As large as I was and still am, it never stopped me.

My weight watcher leader told when I received my 1oo pound award that she remembered a very sad looking young lady who walked through the doors of WW. I never felt unhappy. I guess I just looked it during that time.

Hey don't think that I don't have depressing days I do but most of the time I AM HAPPY! So everyone don't worry be happy!

I know you probably raised an eyebrow when I said pretending. I guess overtime I just got tired of pretending. I really do love life and like to have a good time. If you like me good, if you don't I don't care! I am going to be happy and have fun and love life! I have a Savior who loves me and cherishes me. So I'm happy and I know it!